Variable Ballistic Shield System

ABSTRACT

A ballistic shield may include multiple ballistic plates. The first plate may be permanently connected to a second plate and drop vertically downward from the first plate. After dropping down, the second plate would overlap the first plate such that no gap exists between the two plates. A third plate may similarly drop with respect to the second plate. Side folding ballistic plates may be attached to the first and second plates to lock them in position and provide ballistic protection to the sides of the user. These side ballistic plates may overlap the first and second plates. The side plates can have another ballistic plate mounted on their unconnected ends such that another assembly of first, second and side ballistic plates identical as above may also be connected. After connecting this second assembly, the user(s) would have full 360 degree ballistic coverage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional application No. 61/634,150, filed on Feb. 24, 2012 and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is for man portable (hand held ballistic shields), but may be used for non man portable shields.

2. Description of Related Art

Ballistic shields are used anywhere that a ballistic threat is possible. The main users are security, law enforcement and military. Typically ballistic shields are not meant to replace personal body armor (such as vests), but to add additional protection over areas not protected by a vest and to provide additional protection over areas already protected by the user's body armor.

Ballistic shields (ballistic plates designed to stop or significantly reduce the trauma from high velocity projectiles—such as bullets) are typically one piece. Shields for coverage over the head and chest areas are usually larger and heavy enough such that they are not carried for routine use and thus not available when the threat occurs.

Full body (Head and chest front, pubic region front, possibly some side) coverage with existing ballistic shields usually are large once piece shields. Shields of this type must be stored in larger containment areas, such as the trunk of a police car. Ballistic shields do not exist that offer protection to the head, neck and central (middle) sections of the chest and can also have other ballistic panels (such as folding side and groin panels) attached later for full body (if needed) coverage.

In many emergency situations, a ballistic shield must be deployed in full operational condition by using only one hand, while the user's other hand reaches for their gun. Some ballistic shield devices employ structural members which must be assembled to give them rigidity prior to use. Assembling a shield consumes precious time when a threat exists to the user. Ballistic shields do not have the ability to rigidly connect together for ballistic coverage of different geometries including full 360 degree coverage.

Therefore, a ballistic shield system is needed that can be rapidly deployed with one hand and does not require assembly prior to use, can be upgraded as money becomes available to permit full body coverage and can be connected together with other shields for rigid ballistic coverage of different geometries including 360 degree coverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, there are at least 2 parallel ballistic plates rigidly attached to each other by a rail system, such that the two plates will remain parallel to each other and at the same horizontal distance from each other at all times. These first two parallel ballistic plates comprise the core of the embodiment.

The first of these two ballistic plates may have a handle and a mechanism to release the second plate from the stationary first plate. This detachment is deployed by only one hand, while holding the handle. Upon release, gravity moves the second plate downward (vertically) from the first plate. Upon full travel of the second plate, an overlap may exist between the first and second plates to ensure that a gap does not exist. Upon release of the second plate, the core of this ballistic shield assembly is rigid with respect to horizontal forces such as from bullets. The first ballistic plate may have a transparent ballistic section.

Further in accordance with this invention, the first and second ballistic plates may have mechanisms for the attachment of other ballistic plates. Side folding plates may be attached between the extended first and second ballistic plates such that no gap exists between the side plates and the first two plates.

A further implementation with this invention, are folding side ballistic plates that attach to the first two ballistic plates (“core” ballistic shield). The side ballistic plates may fold and are composed of at least 2 rigid ballistic plates (panels). Each side ballistic plate may have a hinge and a rotation mechanism mounted on the first plate. This rotation mechanism may have a rod or similar structural member connecting the rotation mechanism with the distal end of the second of the side ballistic plates. The rotation mechanisms may be rotated and locked in various orientations. Because the structural member prevents the rotation of the next connecting panel, this next connecting panel (ballistic plate) is locked into position. The side ballistic plates may be composed of more ballistic panels which are connected by hinges and the same rotation mechanisms and structural members.

Another implementation coherent with the principles of this invention, is that a ballistic shield may be attached to another similar ballistic shield. Each of the side folding ballistic plates (panels) may be connected to each other and to another “core” of vertically moving ballistic plates. Many different configurations for ballistic coverage are made possible by connecting ballistic plates by using this manner.

Still another implementation coherent with the principles of this invention, is that an intermediate ballistic plate, without a hinge, may be connected between two folding ballistic plates. The intermediate ballistic plates may then be disconnected from the side folding ballistic plates and be used as a man portable ballistic shield.

One other implementation coherent with the principles of the invention, a ballistic shield system may include small ballistic plates attached to the outside to cover the hinges. The ballistic materials (plates) that are parallel with the hinge and provide ballistic coverage over the gap between ballistic materials, which the hinge connects together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the protected side view of the basic two panel opening ballistic shield shown in its expanded condition.

FIG. 2 is the side view of a basic two panel opening ballistic shield shown in its expanded condition.

FIG. 3 is the side view of a basic two panel opening ballistic shield shown in its collapsed condition.

FIG. 4 is the protected side view of a folding side ballistic assembly.

FIG. 5 is the protected side view of the basic two panel opening ballistic shield shown in its expanded condition with two attached folding side ballistic panels and an attached bottom ballistic panel.

FIG. 6 is the threat side view of a two panel opening ballistic shield shown in its expanded condition with two attached folding side ballistic panels and an attached bottom ballistic panel.

FIG. 7 is the top view of a two panel opening ballistic shield shown in its expanded condition with two attached folding side ballistic panels rotated 90 degrees.

FIG. 8 is the protected side view of an intermediate ballistic panel.

FIG. 9 is the top view of two, two panel opening ballistic shields shown in their expanded condition, each with two folding side ballistic panels, rotated 90 degrees and attached together with two intermediate panels.

Similar reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention described with reference to accompanying drawings, has at least one illustrative representation shown. This invention may be illustrated in different morphologies and should not be construed as limited to the representations contained in this document. The illustrations herewith are not limiting as to the scope of the invention.

Terms may be used interchangeably, unless made expressively clear from the text. The terms “ballistic panel”, “panel”, “plate” or “ballistic plate” shall be used interchangeably unless specifically made distinguishable from the text. Similarly, the terms “core”, “core assembly” and “basic” shall be interchangeable. Some terms such as “connector” or “fastener” shall be deemed understandable by someone with proficient skills in this art. Some drawings views may have some items missing from an actual ballistic shield. Not having all items in every drawing view is done for clarity and understanding of the entities on that drawing.

As shown in FIG. 1, a basic ballistic shield assembly 10 comprised of two ballistic plates 15 on the top and 20 on the bottom. Each ballistic plate in these embodiments shall be made of material sufficient for the threat level designed to encounter. Also because this is primarily designed to be man portable (carried by hand or on rollers), weight of the ballistic materials is a prime consideration. For National Institute of Justice(NIJ) level 3A and NIJ 3, a polymer based material made of aramid, para-aramid or polypropylene is recommended. However for larger shields which may be supported by many men, steel laminate plates with high hardness are recommended. Ballistic plate 15 has four rail mounts 35, two on the top and two on the bottom (FIG. 2) which hold two rails 25 between them. Ballistic plate 20 has two linear bearings 30 which the rails 25 slide through. The rails should be made of a highly polished steel and corrosion resistance for low friction and long service life. The linear bearings 30 are situated between the rail mounts 35. FIG. 1 has a handle 60 at the top of the drawing for carrying the ballistic shield. Item 40 is a release pin. The release pin 40 is suspended parallel from plate 15 by a cantilevered pin bracket connector 80. For prolonged carrying, an internal handle 65 is provided.

FIG. 3 shows the collapsed position of the basic ballistic shield assembly prior to deployment (opening). The release pin 40 is inserted into the release pin bracket 45. The user can hold handle 60 with one hand and press (or pull) the release pin 40 with fingers on the same hand. Upon activation of the release pin, gravity moves plate 20 downward. Allowing one hand deployment allows the user to reach for their gun to return fire if necessary.

FIG. 4 shows a folding side ballistic assembly 85 comprised of 2 stationary ballistic plates 95 and two rotating ballistic plates 90. Plates 90 and 95 are held together by inside hinges 130. Plates 90 and 90 are joined together by outside hinges 135 (FIG. 6). Similarly, plates 95 and 95 are held together by outside hinge 135.

Again referring to FIG. 4, plate rods 57 are permanently attached to the rod mounts 105. Plate rods are to be made of lightweight strong materials such as carbon fiber rods. Rod mounts 105 are non-moving and fastened permanently to the stationary plates 95. Rotation pieces 110 are free to rotate and are connected below the rod mounts 105 by pins. The rotation pieces 110 have a bore for inserting the moving rods 115. The moving rods 115 are stationary with respect to the rotation pieces 110. On the distal end of the moving rods 115 are panel end pieces 125. The panel end pieces 125 are rigidly attached to the end of plates 90 which is distal from the inside hinges 130. Panel end pieces 125 have holes in which support and guide the moving rods 115. When the rotation pieces are locked in (example pinned) at an angle to the rod mounts 105, then plates 90 are locked into the same angle. Therefore the folding side ballistic panels can be locked into any position from 0 to 90 degrees. In the 0 degree position, the side ballistic panels offer wide protection from a frontal attack. With the side ballistic panels rotated and locked at 90 degrees, maximum side protection is exhibited.

To connect the folding side ballistic assembly 85 to the basic ballistic shield assembly 10 (FIG. 1), one method is to insert the plate rods 57 (FIG. 4) into the main plate connectors 55 (FIG. 1) and second plate connectors (FIG. 2). FIG. 5 shows the protected side view of the basic two panel opening ballistic shield shown in its expanded condition with two attached folding side ballistic panels. To facilitate this insertion and to provide more rigidity, panel clips 120 are located at the top of each side panel. After insertion of the plate rods 57, the stationary side plates 95 will lay on the protected side of plate 15 and the threat side of plate 20 (between the two plates) refer to FIG. 7. The plate rods may be secured by screws or similar means. FIG. 5 also shows a viewport 70 and a gun port 75. The gun port has a hinge on the threat side which connects a small plate of ballistic material to the larger ballistic plate containing the gun port 75. The viewport 70 is transparent and can be made of NIJ level 3A or 3 or 4 layered polycarbonates or a layered glass, polycarbonate and polyurethane construction. The viewport materials must overlap the rectangular opening in the non-transparent ballistic materials and be bolted to them.

Locking pin receivers 155 (FIG. 4) are placed on the two rotating plates 90 at the end opposite the inside hinge 130. The locking pin receiver 155 has a hole for the pin on the locking pin assembly 150 (FIG. 8) to be inserted into. The pins of the locking pin assemblies 150 may be spring loaded to facilitate easy insertion and removal. All pin materials must be made of high shear strength materials such as stainless steels. Connector bodies may be machined from aluminum alloys such as 6000 series.

FIG. 6 shows an outside hinge 135 which connects plates 90 to plate 90 on one side panel assembly and connects plates 95 to plate 95 on the same side panel assembly. The outside hinge 135 must be in two sections, with a small gap at the boundary where plates 90 and 95 meet on the horizontal axis. The outside hinges 135 allow the folding side ballistic panels to be folded in the transverse for easier storage. FIG. 6 also shows hinge armor plates 100 which cover the joints where the plates meet. Hinge armor plates 100 lay parallel to the hinge and completely cover the joints. Hinge armor plates are divided into sections of equal length as the inside and outside hinges. Hinge armor plates may be made of similar ballistic armor as any of the plates in the shield and may be permanently attached by rivets or some other fasteners.

Hinge armor plates 100 FIG. 7 must be fastened to stationary plates 95 with most of the width of the hinge armor plate 100 covering the rotating side panels 90. The coverage of the rotating side panels 90, by the hinge armor plates 100 must be such that straight line of sight is not possible between an incoming bullet and the inside hinge 130. FIG. 7 also shows that the moving rods must extend past the ends of the panel end pieces 125 for the mechanism to operate.

FIG. 8 shows the locking pin assemblies 150 on the intermediate ballistic panel 145. Two locking pin assemblies 150 can connect the intermediate ballistic panel 145 to a rotating side panel 90 (FIG. 9). The connection of the folding side ballistic assembly 85 to the basic ballistic shield assembly 10 could also be accomplished by using the same method as the connection of the two locking pin assemblies 150 and locking pin receivers 155. This way, the plate rods 57 and plate connectors 55 could be eliminated and the intermediate ballistic panel 145 could be mounted directly to the basic ballistic shield assembly 10 for additional geometrical variations and greater versatility. Referring again to FIG. 9, shows both ends of the intermediate ballistic panel 145 connected to rotating side panels 90 using the two locking pin assemblies 150 as described above. In this geometrical configuration of the ballistic shield the users can be inside the rectangular geometry and have 360 degree protection from incoming bullets. The variable configuration allows the users to reduce the width of the ballistic shield system to go through doorways.

The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and their physical equivalents. 

What is claimed:
 1. A ballistic shield comprising of: a first ballistic plate, incorporating ballistic material and with two rails mounted on the first ballistic plate with the rails parallel to the first ballistic plate and aligned with first ballistic plates long axis and a second ballistic plate, incorporating ballistic material and with two linear bearings which travel over the rails of the first ballistic plate such that the first and second ballistic plates remain parallel and a quick release mechanism, operated by one or two fingers which is connected to the first ballistic plate and disconnects the first ballistic plate from the second ballistic plate and allows gravity to move of the second ballistic plate vertically downward and a second ballistic plate which overlaps the bottom of the first ballistic plate after the two ballistic plates have been separated by the release mechanism and two handles to hold the ballistic shield, with one handle on the top of the first ballistic plate and allowing the user to hold the first ballistic plate and activate the release mechanism with the same hand at the same time and the second handle located on the first ballistic plate for prolonged holding of the ballistic shield when the second ballistic plate has been allowed to fall vertically.
 2. The ballistic shield of claim 1 which has at least one component permanently mounted to each of the first and second ballistic plates which allow for the rapid connection and removal of other components which are permanently mounted on other ballistic plates thus allowing the attachment of other ballistic plates to the first and second ballistic plates.
 3. The ballistic shield of claim 1 wherein the first ballistic plate has a transparent ballistic viewport made of another ballistic material.
 4. The ballistic shield of claim 1 wherein the first ballistic plate has an opening near or in the viewport which is covered by ballistic material and is fastened to the first ballistic plate by a hinge.
 5. The ballistic shield of claim 1 wherein the first and second ballistic plates remain rigid with respect to horizontal forces without the need for additional stiffening structures.
 6. A folding side ballistic shield assembly each comprising: Of at least two horizontal ballistic plates with each plate having at least one component permanently mounted to each ballistic plate for routine attachment and detachment of the ballistic plate to the first and second ballistic plates as in claim 1 or to another ballistic plate.
 7. The folding side ballistic shield assembly of claim 6 wherein each assembly uses hinges to connect the ballistic plates together and if the side ballistic shield assembly has only two ballistic plates, then only one hinge will exist and be located on the inside, facing the user for longitudinal folding; and if the folding side ballistic shield assembly has more than 2 ballistic plates, then other hinges may exist on the side away from the user to permit folding of the ballistic plate in the transverse for easier storage.
 8. The folding side ballistic shield assembly of claim 6 has a rotating mechanism mounted on one ballistic plate with a structural member with one end fixed to the rotating mechanism and the other end of the structural member supported by an adjacent ballistic plate with its end not fixed and free to slide longitudinally.
 9. The rotating mechanism of claim 8 wherein the mechanism can lock the rotation at various angles thus preventing the movement of the adjacent ballistic plate which is connected to the rotating mechanism by the structural member.
 10. A folding side ballistic shield assembly as in claim 6 wherein the assembly can be connected to other side ballistic shield assemblies by quick disconnect mechanisms.
 11. A ballistic shield system which can be provide 360 degree protection to the users by connecting ballistic panels of claim 1 and claim
 6. 12. A folding side ballistic shield assembly of claim 6 where the hinges are covered by ballistic material permanently affixed to one of the ballistic plates which are connected to the hinge. 